Texas general gives update about fight against Islamic State

KILLEEN, Texas -- A Fort Hood commander says rebuilding the ravaged parts of Iraq and Syria will take a long time.

Lieutenant General Paul Funk said many neighborhoods are simply unlivable.

Funk said troops still must clear more than 8,000 improvised explosive devices left behind by the Islamic State. Around 240 Fort Hood soldiers deployed to the Middle East back in August. The year-long deployment is part of Operation Inherent Resolve - a global coalition formed to fight ISIS. The coalition not only provides training and support for Iraqi and Syrian forces, but also, direct artillery and air-strikes.

Iraq's Prime Minster has declared victory over ISIS in the physical sense, but Funk admits fighting an ideology is far more complicated.